Primate House

Primate House

When the Primate House was renovated in 1977, the original Spanish-style architecture of the 1925 structure was preserved, but the animal enclosures were completely redesigned. The traditional barred cages lining the walls were updated to large exhibits with colorful murals, rock formations, branches, ropes and live plants make it possible for monkeys and their relatives to be housed in social groups typical of their life in the wild.

Separated only by glass from active family groups, you can watch a panorama of grooming, foraging for food, playing, parenting and other social interaction. Rockscapes, waterfalls, trees and vines provide numerous footholds for climbing and jumping.

Learn more about our primates including those found in the Primate House:

A Piece of History

An orangutan named Sam is known at the Zoo as one of its first "ambassadors." The charismatic ape would ride a large three-wheeler around the Zoo, stop at the ice cream stand, shake hands with visitors and even enjoyed puffing on a pipe. When the Primate House opened in 1924, Sam attended dressed in white tie and tails. He was part of the reception line and sat at the head table next to Mayor Henry Kiel for dinner.